The critically acclaimed Canned Goods is delighted to be making its highly anticipated London debut at Southwark Playhouse Borough this 2025.
Written by Erik Kahn, Canned Goods is a gripping exploration of propaganda, the manipulation of truth, and the dangerous power of ‘fake news,’ themes that resonate sharply in today’s world. Debuting to rave reviews in the US, this production will deliver a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in history, making it an unmissable experience for London audiences.
Ahead of the run we sat down with Erik Kahn to learn more.
What can you tell us about Canned Goods?
Canned Goods was the name that the Germans gave to the prisoners used in a Nazi false flag operation. The plan was to stage a Polish Army attack on Germans living on the border to justify Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. Germany hoped to use the fake attack to keep the UK out of the war, so that German could launch a single front war against Poland and then Russia.
Canned Goods was the name that the Germans gave to the prisoners used in a Nazi false flag operation. The plan was to stage a Polish Army attack on Germans living on the border to justify Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. Germany hoped to use the fake attack to keep the UK out of the war, so that German could launch a single front war against Poland and then Russia.
Where did the inspiration for the piece come from?
I was fascinated about this theatrical event that I read about first in William Shires Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I was also curious about how the SS Major who ran the operation might have related to his prisoners, and what the prisoners would have experienced being used as pawns by the Germans in this operation which some described as “the operation that started WWII.”
I was fascinated about this theatrical event that I read about first in William Shires Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I was also curious about how the SS Major who ran the operation might have related to his prisoners, and what the prisoners would have experienced being used as pawns by the Germans in this operation which some described as “the operation that started WWII.”
What is your process when writing a piece like this?
After I get a rough ouline in my head, I do some research and try to acclimate myself to the historical background that will frame the play. After that, I just start writing and hope that the characters come to life.
After I get a rough ouline in my head, I do some research and try to acclimate myself to the historical background that will frame the play. After that, I just start writing and hope that the characters come to life.
What research did you so whilst writing the show?
I read as much as I could about the operation, including reading the transcripts of interviews of Major Naujocks, the SS Major who ran the operation, from the Nuremberg trials.
I read as much as I could about the operation, including reading the transcripts of interviews of Major Naujocks, the SS Major who ran the operation, from the Nuremberg trials.
Having played to great reviews in the US, do you approach the UK run in a similar fashion?
I believe so. The most significant differences here is that the UK run will be in the round and the actors will be performing with British accents.
I believe so. The most significant differences here is that the UK run will be in the round and the actors will be performing with British accents.
What is the biggest challenge you face when writing a piece like this?
There needs to be a balance between historical accuracy and compelling fictional content that is imagined. Likewise, it is important to balance the painful and hard-hitting aspects of the play with the humour and absurdity of the situation portrayed in the play.
There needs to be a balance between historical accuracy and compelling fictional content that is imagined. Likewise, it is important to balance the painful and hard-hitting aspects of the play with the humour and absurdity of the situation portrayed in the play.
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| Erik Kahn. |
Where did your arts career begin?
I wrote fiction for years, but more recently made a commitment to writing for an audience. It has been amazing to watch how Canned Goods lands with the audience, and to see the strong reaction provoked by the story.
I wrote fiction for years, but more recently made a commitment to writing for an audience. It has been amazing to watch how Canned Goods lands with the audience, and to see the strong reaction provoked by the story.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Writing is a powerful experience for me. For many years I wrote for myself, but only recently have directed my writing for a live audience.
Writing is a powerful experience for me. For many years I wrote for myself, but only recently have directed my writing for a live audience.
What gives you inspiration?
I suppose my favourite writers and directors, including Kurosawa, Kubrick, Bergman and DeSica (directors) and Maughm, Crace, Tolstoy, Joyce, T.S. Elliot, George Elliot, and Ditlevson (some writers).
I suppose my favourite writers and directors, including Kurosawa, Kubrick, Bergman and DeSica (directors) and Maughm, Crace, Tolstoy, Joyce, T.S. Elliot, George Elliot, and Ditlevson (some writers).
What do you hope the message an audience member takes away from seeing Canned Goods?
I try not to impose responses on the audience, but I do hope that the play raises questions about how human beings treat each other, and how people can gain agency in the face of violent manipulation.
I try not to impose responses on the audience, but I do hope that the play raises questions about how human beings treat each other, and how people can gain agency in the face of violent manipulation.
Canned Goods plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough from Thursday 16th January until Saturday 8th February 2025. Tickets are available from www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/canned-goods
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